Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has trained a total of 1,300 ward agents for the party’s E-registration in Enugu State.

The State APC E-registration coordinator, Chief Flavour Eze, disclosed this on Saturday in Enugu while conducting journalists around the four training centres where the agents were trained.

The party also expressed confidence that it would finish the registration before the January 30, 2026 deadline given the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Eze revealed that ward agents were trained to carry out the registration exercise, which is expected to start in January 2026, adding that the party had trained five agents per ward across the 260 wards in the state.

While reminding them that they are the backbone of the party in Enugu State, the Co-ordinator appealed to them to understand what they are being taught to enable them deliver on the assignment given to them.

“APC wants to ensure that there is no mistake during the registration because if we don’t get it right, there will be a problem.

“So, we are trying to make sure that everybody is being registered in the right way and I am happy they understood what they are being taught.

“We are training five persons per ward and we will still go to the villages to get canvassers on how they will be able to canvass to get more members as well,” Eze said.

According to him, the state governor, Mbah is taking the registration exercise seriously and as such will support them with necessary logistics to enable them succeed.

“Enugu people should be happy with the administration of Dr. Peter Mbah because he got a whole lot of packages and empowerment for them,” he added.

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns over what he described as the alleged alteration and forgery of Nigerian laws, warning that the situation threatens the foundation of constitutional governance in the country.

Obi accused the Federal Government of allowing a system where laws passed by the National Assembly are allegedly changed before being published and enforced.

He said this development represents a dangerous shift from past issues of padded budgets to a new era where the integrity of Nigeria’s laws is now in question.

The former Anambra State governor made the allegations in a statement titled “Migrating from Padded Budgets to Forged Laws,” which he shared on his official X handle on Saturday.

In the statement, Obi claimed there are clear and documented differences between bills approved by lawmakers and the versions eventually released as law by the executive arm of government.

According to him, the issue is not a minor administrative lapse but a major constitutional problem that reflects deep-rooted institutional decay. He warned that such actions undermine public trust, weaken democracy, and negatively affect citizens’ rights.

Obi stated that Nigeria appears to have moved beyond financial manipulations in budgeting to a more alarming practice where laws are allegedly altered after legislative approval.

He said this development directly affects taxpayers, the justice system, and the rule of law.

He further accused the Presidency of maintaining silence over allegations that involve possible forgery, abuse of process, and institutional sabotage.

Obi questioned why such a serious matter has not been addressed openly, especially given its implications for governance and accountability.

In his words, he said:

“Our national shame continues to unfold, evident in the decisions made by our leaders, even at the highest levels of government. This shame is highlighted by a deeply troubling—and frankly unacceptable—issue: the documented discrepancies between what the legislature passed and what was ultimately published as law by the executive. This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay.”

Obi also expressed concern over what he described as newly introduced enforcement powers that were never approved by the House of Representatives. These include a mandatory 20 per cent deposit before appeals can be heard, asset sales without proper judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.

He warned that such provisions, if truly not passed by lawmakers, amount to a serious violation of democratic processes and could be used to intimidate citizens.

“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice,” Obi said.

The former governor stressed the need for full transparency, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know exactly what was passed by the National Assembly, what was signed into law, and what is currently being enforced.

He added that citizens cannot continue to be burdened with higher taxes while confidence in governance continues to erode.

“All of this must be made public. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded. We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses,” he stated.

Obi concluded by calling for leadership that respects due process, accountability, and the rule of law, warning that no nation can develop under a system where laws are allegedly forged and critical questions are met with silence.

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It is not only questionable but an aberration that a nation where over 38million Nigerians remain financially excluded, where trust in institutions is fragile, and where citizens are pressured under the weight of rising living costs, the use of Tax Identification Number (TIN) has been specified as the only option for their bank accounts operation from January 1, 2026 by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In practice, the policy spearheaded by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is rooted in the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), and the intention can be understood in the areas of improving tax compliance, widening the tax net, and formalizing economic activities.

But in practice, the directive risks becoming yet another well-meaning reform that punishes the wrong people, disrupts financial inclusiveness, and potentially destabilises an already stressed economy.Yes, Nigeria needs tax reforms. Yes, the country must broaden its tax base. And yes, public revenues must increase to address fiscal pressures.

But compelling citizens to obtain TINs as a condition for operating bank accounts is the wrong tool for the right objective.

Below are five core arguments against the directive, and sustainable alternatives that actually strengthen tax compliance without endangering banking access or punishing informal earners.

The Directive Risks Deepening Financial Exclusion

Nigeria still struggles with financial inclusion. According to several official assessments, over 38 million adults remain outside the formal financial system. Many of them operate small, irregular businesses, survive through subsistence earnings, or depend on cash-based livelihoods.

The Federal Government’s compulsory TIN-for-bank-accounts policy is built on the assumption that every banked Nigerian is structured, organised, and tax-ready. This is false.

For instance, the rural market woman with N30,000 in rotating savings, the okada rider who deposits cash once a week, the petty trader using a mobile POS agent account, the retiring pensioner managing a small monthly income, and the migrant worker sends small remittances to their family. These are not tax evaders; they are survivalists.

Most operate bank accounts not because they run formal businesses, but because those accounts are essential to modern financial life: receiving transfers, accessing loans, participating in digital commerce, saving against emergencies, and avoiding the risks of moving cash in insecure environments.

By creating an additional bureaucratic barrier, the directive risks pushing millions back into a cash-dominant shadow economy, precisely the opposite outcome of what Nigeria’s financial-sector reforms are trying to achieve.

Bank Accounts Are Not Proof of Taxable Income

The NTAA clarifies that the TIN requirement applies only to taxable persons, individuals engaged in trade, employment, or income-generating activities.

But herein lies the problem: banks cannot determine who is “taxable” and who is not. Banks only see deposits and withdrawals. They do not audit the source or consistency of income. They are not tax authorities.

A student may run a small online clothing resale gig. A retiree may occasionally rent out farmland.

A dependent may receive cash support from a relative abroad. A job seeker may get intermittent gifts from family.

Who decides which of these scenarios qualifies as taxable? Banks? FIRS? Or will citizens be expected to self-declare under threat of account restrictions?

The result will be confusion, over-compliance, and mass panic with banks indiscriminately demanding TINs from everyone to avoid regulatory penalties.

This not only contradicts the spirit of the law but also exposes ordinary Nigerians to harassment and arbitrary compliance requirements.

The Policy Could Trigger Disruption, Panic Withdrawals, and Cash Hoarding

Whenever Nigerians perceive threats to their access to funds, the natural reaction is withdrawal and hoarding. We saw it during:

• the 2023 Naira redesign crisis,
• the 2016 TSA-bank consolidation tightening, and multiple periods of financial instability.

Telling citizens that bank accounts may face “operational restrictions” if they do not obtain a TIN creates a predictable behavioural response: people will rush to withdraw money.

This would be disastrous for a banking system already pressured by:

• high interest rates,
• inflation eroding deposits,
• rising loan defaults, and
• declining public trust

Any government policy that unintentionally creates an incentive for citizens to flee the formal banking system is counterproductive.

The TIN Requirement Will Become a Bureaucratic Nightmare

Even if millions of Nigerians want to comply, the system is not ready. Nigeria’s administrative infrastructure does not have the capacity to process tens of millions of TIN registrations within months without:

• long queues,
• delays,
• data mismatches,
• duplicate records, and
• systemic errors.

The National Identity Number (NIN)-SIM registration experience is a painful reminder of what happens when ambitious policy meets weak execution capacity.

• Citizens spent months in overcrowded enrolment centres.
• Millions were blocked from services.
• Data inconsistencies persisted.
• The economy suffered productivity losses.

If Nigeria could not seamlessly synchronise NIN and SIM data, how will it synchronise NIN, BVN, and TIN at a national scale without dislocation?

Forcing TIN Adoption Ignores the Real Problem: Nigeria’s Broken Tax Culture

The Federal Government’s real challenge is not that citizens lack TINs, but that they lack trust in how taxes are used.

A government cannot widen the tax net when:

• tax leakages remain widespread,
• citizens feel services do not match taxation,
• corruption perceptions are high,
• government spending lacks transparency, and
• taxpayers do not feel seen, heard, or valued.

Coercion does not build a tax culture. Engagement does. Policy does not create legitimacy. Accountability does.

If the Federal Government wants Nigerians to freely participate in the tax system, it must earn legitimacy first, not mandate compliance through financial restrictions.

What the Government Should Do Instead: A Smarter Path to Tax Reform

Instead of enforcing a policy that may backfire economically and socially, the Federal Government can adopt four smarter, people-centred alternatives.

• Automatic TIN Issuance Linked to NIN and BVN

Rather than forcing Nigerians to apply manually, the government should:

• auto-generate TINs for all existing BVN/NIN holders,
• send the TINs via SMS, email, and bank alerts,
• allow self-activation only when needed for tax obligations.

This eliminates queues, delays, and confusion.

• Build a Voluntary Tax Compliance Culture Through Transparency and Incentives

Tax morale improves when citizens see value. Government should:

• publish annual audited reports of tax revenue use,
• incentivise compliant taxpayers with benefits (priority access to government grants, credit scoring, etc.),
• simplify tax filings for small businesses.

People comply more when they feel respected, not coerced.

• Target High-Value Tax Evaders, Not Low-Income Account Holders

Nigeria’s real tax leakages come from:

• large corporations shifting profits,
• politically exposed persons,
• illicit financial flows,
• multinational tax avoidance strategies,
• the informal “big money” class operating outside the banking system.

Instead of threatening small depositors, the government should strengthen:

• FIRS intelligence and investigation units,
• inter-agency data integration (CAC, Customs, Immigration),
• beneficial ownership transparency enforcement.

The fight against tax evasion should focus on those hiding billions, not those depositing thousands.

• Strengthen Digital Tax Platforms for Easy Self-Registration and Compliance

If tax registration becomes as easy as opening a social media account, compliance will rise naturally. The government should build:

• a mobile-first tax app,
• simplified online TIN retrieval,
• one-click tax filing for gig workers and small traders.

Digital convenience can achieve what regulatory coercion cannot.

Reform Should Not Punish the Public

No doubt, tax reforms are needed urgently, but they must come with a human face, an intelligent, equitable, and aligned with the realities of ordinary Nigerians.

The TIN-for-bank-accounts policy, while well-intentioned, risks undermining financial inclusion, triggering economic instability, and imposing unnecessary burdens on millions who are not tax evaders but survival-based earners.

Good tax policy is built on trust, not fear. On transparency, not threats. On civic legitimacy, not administrative compulsion.

If the Federal Government truly wants to modernise Nigeria’s tax system, it must focus not on restricting citizens’ access to their own money, but on:

• repairing tax trust,
• digitising compliance,
• targeting the real evaders, and
• making participation easier, not harder.

Financial inclusion took Nigeria decades to build. We cannot afford a policy that carelessly reverses these gains.

A better tax system is possible, but it must start with the people, not with their bank accounts.

Blaise, a journalist and PR professional, writes from Lagos, can be reached via: blaise.udunze@gmail.com  

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Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said that military force alone plays only a limited role in resolving Nigeria’s complex national security challenges, emphasising that enduring peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.

He explained that while kinetic operations remain necessary, they represent just a fraction of what is required to secure the country. 

According to him, sustainable security is rooted in good governance, active community participation, public trust, responsible media engagement, and coordinated national effort aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.

Air Marshal Aneke made these remarks at a Meet-and-Greet Cocktail with Defence Correspondents held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Officers’ Mess and Suites, Kado, Abuja. 

The event, he said, was designed to strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the media.

The CAS appealed to journalists for patience and understanding, particularly when there are delays in releasing operational information. 

He noted that what may appear as simple requests often require thorough scrutiny to prevent compromising missions, exposing personnel to danger, or jeopardising national security.

While reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to transparency and timely communication, he stressed that all information must undergo proper vetting before release. 

Allowing time for verification, he added, ultimately supports the collective responsibility of protecting the nation and its citizens.

Addressing defence correspondents, Aneke described the media as an indispensable partner in national security. 

Through their reporting, he said, Nigerians gain insight into the complexities of defence operations, while public accountability is strengthened and trust between the Armed Forces and the populace is enhanced.

He further highlighted the value of developmental journalism, noting that it goes beyond reporting incidents to providing context, deepening public understanding, and drawing attention to issues that require collective solutions. 

Such journalism, he said, reinforces democratic accountability and helps citizens appreciate the broader efforts of security agencies.

Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, acknowledged that while timely information is central to journalism, certain defence-related details must be carefully verified and sanitised to safeguard operations, assets, and lives.

He commended journalists for their professionalism and patience, adding that the media play a vital role in the non-kinetic dimension of modern warfare by shaping public perception, building trust, and complementing military efforts toward a safer and more secure Nigeria.

In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to counter-insurgency, internal security operations, and the protection of lives and property during his maiden operational visit to the Air Training Command (ATC) and co-located units in Kaduna.

Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen at a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke described Kaduna as a strategic hub in the Service’s history and future, noting that the visit held both professional and personal significance. 

He said the engagement provided an opportunity for direct interaction, frank dialogue, and a renewed commitment to the core values and mission of the Nigerian Air Force.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding ATC, Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Dari, briefed the CAS on the Command’s mandate, training activities, achievements, and challenges. 

He emphasised that the Command remains central to operational effectiveness, noting that the quality of air operations is directly linked to the standard of training, maintenance, and support delivered by ATC.

The CAS explained that upon assuming office as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, he prioritised a review of factors affecting operational performance, which informed his Command Philosophy. 

According to him, the philosophy serves as a practical framework for guiding planning, training, leadership, and decision-making at all levels, rather than a mere slogan.

Commending personnel of the Command, Aneke underscored the critical role of training and sustainment in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

He stressed that standardised training, innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships are vital to mission success.

During his tour, the CAS inspected facilities, commissioned selected projects, and assessed operational needs. 

He concluded by reaffirming his “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” policy, assuring personnel of continued support to boost morale, readiness, and operational effectiveness.

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Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has marked a significant milestone in her career, celebrating 27 years in the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood.

In a post on Instagram, Akindele expressed her gratitude to God for His favour and guidance, and to her fans for their unwavering support.

The actress, known for her versatility and dedication to her craft, reflected on her journey, highlighting the importance of consistency, discipline, and focus in achieving success.

She acknowledged that her hard work and commitment have been key to her enduring presence in the industry.

“God’s favour and hard work have brought me this far. It’s been 27 years and counting in the acting and filmmaking industry. The journey has taught me that consistency, discipline, and staying focused are key to continuous success.

“Thank You, Lord, for the greater heights You are taking me to. To my darling fans, I see your reviews, and I truly appreciate the continuous love and support you’re showing to BEHIND THE SCENES. Eyes on the prize, no distractions, thank you,” she wrote.

The actress-filmmaker’s milestone has been met with tributes and congratulations from fans and colleagues, who have praised her for her dedication and commitment to her craft.

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Benin on Saturday placed former defence minister and prominent opposition politician Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of an investigation into the west African country’s failed early December coup.

According to an AFP journalist, Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion, after being arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou in the wake of the attempted takeover.

The detention of the prominent opposition figure, who condemned the coup, is the latest in the wake of the foiled takeover, after some 30 people, mostly soldiers, were jailed Tuesday on treason grounds.

Soldiers announced on national television on December 7 they had toppled President Patrice Talon, but loyalist army forces swiftly defeated the coup plotters with the help of the Nigerian air force.

Several people were killed in the attempted uprising, while some of the mutineers, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain on the run.

After several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court, Azannai was escorted away at dawn by police before being taken into custody, an AFP reporter saw.

While Talon has been praised for spurring economic growth, critics accuse the president of creeping authoritarianism in a country once praised for its democracy, while in recent years Benin has been hit by jihadist violence in the north.

Talon is due to hand over the reins of power in April after hitting the two-term limit.

The post Benin detains ex-defence minister over foiled coup appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and the College of Education and Entrepreneurship Studies, Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area, Benue State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to run degrees in Education.

The signing of the MoU had empowered the College of Education and Entrepreneurship Studies to offer degree courses in education-related programmes under the supervision of the University.

The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Principal Officers of the AAUA including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige; the DVC Admin., Prof. Adebisi Daramola; DVC Academic, Prof. Olusegun Akinwumi; Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu; the Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina; and the representative of the University Librarian, Dr. Felix Adewusi; while the duo of the College Provost, Dr. Austin Ortiv; and the College Liaison Officer, Dr. Segun Ogunleye signed for the College.

Addressing the media, Dr. Ortiv, thanked the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University for approving the partnership and for the trust reposed in the Management of the College.

Ortiv stated that the College of Education and Entrepreneurship Studies, Lessel, is set to train and graduate professional educators in both academic pedagogy and entrepreneurial skills, following the agreement signed in Akungba Akoko in Akoko Southwest local government area of Ondo State.

His words, “We now have the approval and the capacity to run several programmes, including Degree programmes in education, Certificate in entrepreneurship, and Advance Certificate in Education.

“With the agreement with Adekunle Ajasin University, our degree students are assured of graduating from one of the foremost universities in Nigeria. Their admission, curriculum, screening, examination, and certificate would be handled by the university.

In fact, their matriculation and convocation ceremonies would be conducted by the University.

“Furthermore, our students would not only get academic certificates, but would also be trained and certified in entrepreneurship with hands-on training in business, technology, and engineering, trade and craft, and many more.”

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, dismissing claims by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and due process.

In a press statement issued on Friday, December 19, 2025, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police said the tinted glass policy is firmly rooted in law and not a discretionary or revenue-driven initiative, as portrayed in recent public commentary.

According to the Police, the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree.

The law expressly empowers the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits, provided applicants demonstrate legitimate security or health-related reasons.

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The Force stressed that the regulation is designed to address serious security concerns, including the use of tinted vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent offences.

The NPF clarified that it is not a revenue-generating agency, noting that any funds received in the course of its statutory duties are backed by law under the Police Act 2020 (as amended).

It further explained that the automated tinted glass permit system operates under a Federal Executive Council-approved Public-Private Partnership, implemented to enhance transparency, security vetting, and nationwide standardisation of the permit process.

Addressing allegations that payments are made into a private account, the Police described the claim as false, stating that Parkway Projects Limited, referenced in the controversy, is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment service provider engaged by the Federal Government, similar to platforms like Remita.

The Force added that the reference numbers cited publicly are transaction identifiers, not private bank accounts.

The Police also recalled that enforcement of the tinted glass policy was earlier suspended voluntarily following engagements with the NBA and other stakeholders, stressing that the suspension was not based on any court order.

The Force maintained that no court has issued a restraining order against it, noting that an application for interim injunction was refused by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri.

While acknowledging ongoing court cases on the matter, the NPF assured Nigerians that it will not act in contempt of court and will fully comply with judicial outcomes.

It emphasised, however, that it cannot abandon its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, especially in light of current security challenges worsened by the abuse of tinted vehicles.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated that enforcement of the policy, where lawfully undertaken, will be professional and rights-compliant, warning that any officer involved in extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority will face severe disciplinary action.

The Police called for calm, responsible public discourse and respect for judicial processes, assuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability, and national security.

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The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of residents following a petrol tanker fire incident in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, which left several persons injured.

In a statement signed and issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, the state government disclosed that a high-powered delegation had been dispatched to the affected community and hospitals where victims are receiving treatment.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, visited the scene of the inferno as well as Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital, where victims were admitted, on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Audu said the governor mandated that the team immediately proceed to Auchi to sympathise with the community and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

“We were given a clear mandate by the governor when we heard of this incident on the 17th of December that we should come to Auchi immediately to show solidarity and sympathise with the Auchi community and the victims,” he said.

“We are here on the directive of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to assess exactly what happened.”

The Chief of Staff explained that although the governor would have personally visited the area, he was unavoidably engaged in Abuja on state matters.

According to him, the constitution of a strong delegation underscores the responsiveness of the administration.

“When you have the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of EdoSEMA and officials of NEMA, you can see that this is a responsible and responsive government that cares about the people,” Audu added.

He noted that the delegation had gathered first-hand information from the scene and the hospitals, assuring that a detailed report would be submitted to the governor to guide long-term preventive measures.

“We thank God that no life was lost. We now have first-hand information and will report back to the governor so that measures can be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he said.

Naija News reports that the Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service revealed that Auchi currently has no functional fire station, a situation he said the government was already addressing.

“There is already an assurance from the governor that by January next year, Auchi will have a fire station with fire trucks. This is a highly populated business area and it deserves a fire station,” he stated.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, attributed the incident partly to the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene expressway linking Jattu Junction.

“The undulating nature of this road is dangerous. We need urgent remedial work to avert future occurrences. From past records, several trailers have missed their way here,” he said.

Ebea assured that the state government would take responsibility for victims still receiving treatment.

The commissioner also warned residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the practice as extremely dangerous.

“PMS is highly flammable. Anywhere you see fuel flowing, run away fast. Even a minor static force can ignite fire. This is strong advice to everyone,” he cautioned.

The Head of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Jerry Idahosa, disclosed that 25 persons were affected by the incident.

He said 16 of the victims were still undergoing treatment at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital.

“Some shops were destroyed, four trucks were affected, and a few motorbikes were also burnt,” Idahosa added.

The Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, sympathised with the people of his constituency and appealed to both the state and Federal Government to urgently fix the Auchi–Okene road.

He described Jattu Junction as a critical entry point to many communities in Etsako.

Similarly, the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area thanked the governor for his swift intervention, recalling a similar past incident where victims were compensated.

“Since the day of this incident, the government has been here. I believe His Excellency will also take care of the affected persons this time,” he said.

Victims and eyewitnesses, who spoke from their hospital beds, narrated their experiences, while officials of the National Emergency Management Agency were also present during the assessment.

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• Nancy Isime marked her 34th birthday by co
• mmissioning a new playground for pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu. As part of the celebration, she hosted an end-of-year party for the students and staff, highlighting her passion for children’s development, outdoor play, and creativity.
• The actress described the gesture as deeply personal, noting that playgrounds and libraries shaped her own childhood.

Nollywood actress Nancy Isime has touched many hearts by commissioning a new playground for the pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu. The philanthropic gesture was part of her 34th birthday celebration, which she spent hosting an end-of-year party for the students and staff.

Reflecting on her tradition of celebrating with children, Isime explained that playgrounds and libraries hold a special place in her heart. “As a child, reading and playing were my absolute favourite things to do, and you’d definitely find me in the play area, swinging and sliding my young stress away,” she shared.

The actress emphasized the importance of physical activity for children, stating, “I truly believe that it’s essential for children to have less screen time and more time outside, playing and creating.” After officially opening the area “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,” the actress was even seen joining the children on the dance floor.

Isime, who recently bid farewell to what she described as a “transitional” 33rd year, expressed her joy in seeing the children’s excitement: “I just know they’re going to create the best memories there together.”

SOURCE PAG